STL File

Category: CAD Files

What is a STL file?

Developed by Autodesk, its AutoCAD software uses the DWG file extension to store its 2D or 3D models. The software first came into the scene in 1977, and it was first demonstrated in 1982 by Comdex, and they acquired the license for the file format in the same year. It is a professional CAD (computer-aided design) program, and its output contains vector image data and metadata containing the description of the file.
The DWG extension is similar to DXF, with the only difference being that the latter is ASCII-based. Autodesk has been very active with the support for the file format and has released several iterations of it since the year 2000, like the DWG 2000, DWG 2004, DWG 2007, DWG 2010, and so on.

How to Open STL Files

Microsoft 3D Viewer

Microsoft Print 3D

IMSI TurboCAD Pro

GOM Inspect

ideaMK STL Viewer

Parametric Technology Creo

Dassault Systemes CATIA

MeshLab

Microsoft 3D Builder

CADSoftTools ABViewer

Autodesk Tinkercad

Okino Computer Graphics PolyTrans

Kubotek3D KeyCreator

Apple Preview

IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe

Cheetah3D

MeshLab

GLC_Player

Parametric Technology Creo

How to Make STL Files

Below are some software programs that can open STL files. Download one to open your file now.